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May 4, 2022
General oral health
Bacteria feed on sugar, forming dental plaque that becomes acidic and makes holes in your teeth — in other words, it causes cavities. That plaque can also lead to gum disease and bad breath.
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Jan. 14, 2022
Children’s Oral Health
Cavities, also known as tooth decay, are one of the most common chronic diseases among children. The good news is that cavities are nearly 100% preventable. Here’s how to keep your young child’s smile healthy from the very start.
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Dec. 20, 2021
General oral health
Calcium is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth and bones. It strengthens tooth enamel — the hard outer shell — and helps maintain the bone that supports your teeth. Healthy enamel protects your teeth from cavities and erosion. Calcium in your saliva can even help repair damage to teeth caused by acids. However, a lack of calcium can increase your risk for gum disease.
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Nov. 12, 2021
General oral health
Gum sweetened with sugar or corn syrup can contribute to plaque buildup, lead to erosion of your teeth’s enamel and increase your cavity risk. The more often you chew gum with sugar and the longer you chew each time, the more damage it can do.
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Feb. 6, 2020
Children’s Oral Health
It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to address the issue.
Here’s why there’s reason for concern: The use of e-cigarettes among Illinois high schoolers increased by 45% between 2016 and 2018.
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Mar. 1, 2019
General oral health
Your genetics may provide a window into your risk for oral health issues. Understanding your family history can help you stay prepared to keep cavities and gum disease at bay. Your parents probably told you candy causes cavities, but that’s not the only thing that causes them. Risk for cavities is 60 percent due to genetic factors such as preference for sweets, teeth enamel strength and saliva composition, according to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.1 If members of your f
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Jan. 8, 2019
Children’s Oral Health
Schedules may get hectic with school, extracurricular activities and homework, but making it to the dentist is always worth it. Dentists play a central role in children’s oral health that goes beyond checking teeth for cavities. The most obvious benefit dentists provide is preventive care through regular exams and cleanings. During these appointments, dentists or hygienists remove plaque and tartar to prevent the formation of cavities, which is one of the most common chronic diseases in childhoo